Patrol Vessels Prepare for First Sub Antarctic Voyage

Offshore Patrol Vessels Prepare for First Sub Antarctic Voyage

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s two new Offshore Patrol Vessels, Her Majesty's New Zealand Ships OTAGO and WELLINGTON, are preparing to depart on a week long operation to the Auckland and Campbell Islands.

This is the first time the Navy’s two newest ships have operated in the Exclusive Economic Zone to the south of New Zealand.

During this operation, the two ships will deliver a team of scientists and supplies to Campbell Island for the Department of Conservation. The ships will also undertake trials as part of the ongoing process of releasing their full operational capabilities.

The Navy regularly supports Department of Conservation operations through re-supplying offshore islands, patrolling marine reserves, and supporting other marine conservation activities.

The Navy works to protect the resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and our border security in partnership with other government agencies, including Customs, Fisheries and Police.

The ships will depart Bluff on Monday 6 December and return into Dunedin on the 12 December 2010.

ENDS

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